Boundary Crossing and Boundary Objects

• DOI: 10.3102/0034654311404435
• Publication Date: 2011-04-20T04:26:22Z
• Authors: Sanne F. Akkerman; Arthur Bakker
• Keywords: Dialogical Self; Boundary-work; Identification

Diversity and mobility in education work present a paramount challenge that needs better conceptualization educational theory. This has been addressed by scholars with the notion of boundaries, particularly concepts boundary crossing objects. Although studies on objects emphasize boundaries carry learning potential, it is not explicated what way they do so. By reviewing this literature, article offers an understanding as dialogical phenomena. The review literature reveals four potential mechanisms can take place at boundaries: identification, coordination, reflection, transformation. These show various ways which sociocultural differences resulting discontinuities action interaction come to function resources for development intersecting identities practices.